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Book Cover for: The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work, Ludmila N. Praslova

The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work

Ludmila N. Praslova

Gold Medal Winner:Independent Publisher Book Awards -Business/Career (2025)
Burnout rising. Systems cracking. Talent leaving.

The solution: design for human dignity and full-person diversity--with this award-winning guide.

The Canary Code reorganizes work for thriving--starting with those first impacted by faulty systems, like canaries first sensing toxic air in coal mines. Neurodivergent talent (members of ADHD, autism, Tourette's syndrome, and learning-differences communities, and others who think and experience life differently) offer unique skills and exceptional work ethics, yet face employment barriers. Their unique abilities and perspectives are excluded, and their canary warnings about bullying, broken workflows, or ethical drift are ignored.

This practical guide helps CEOs, managers, HR leaders, and changemakers improve work for all.

Drawing on science and lived experience, 2025 Thinkers50 Talent Award winner and internationally renowned management expert Ludmila Praslova shows how embracing neurodiversity creates healthier, more innovative systems. A neurodivergent organizational psychologist with over twenty-five years of global practice and research on inclusive organizations, she offers the following:

  • A holistic framework of human differences (social, cognitive, emotional, physical)
  • An intersectional, whole-person approach to neuroinclusion
  • Dignity-based talent practices, from hiring to leadership development
  • Global perspectives celebrating diverse neurodivergent voices
  • Actionable strategies for change at any organizational level

Blending lived experience, academic rigor, and accessible writing, this groundbreaking work exemplifies neuroinclusion. It clearly indicates academic, applied, and personal content, supporting an individualized reader experience.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
  • Publish Date: May 7th, 2024
  • Pages: 352
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 9.10in - 6.20in - 1.30in - 1.20lb
  • EAN: 9781523005840
  • Categories: Diversity & InclusionHuman Resources & Personnel ManagementWorkplace Culture

About the Author

Ludmila N. Praslova, PhD, SHRM-SCP, is a professor of psychology and the founding director of graduate programs in industrial and organizational psychology at Vanguard University in Southern California. Prior to her academic career, she built and led successful intercultural relations programs in global organizations. Her current consulting is focused on supporting organizations in creating systemic inclusion informed by an understanding of neurodiversity. Her other areas of expertise include organizational culture assessment and change, workplace justice and civility, productivity and well-being, and training and training evaluation. She is the editor of Evidence-Based Organizational Practices for Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity (Cambridge Scholars). She is a member of the Thinkers50 Radar Class of 2024, a cohort of thirty up-and-coming thinkers whose ideas are predicted to shape management in the coming years.

Praise for this book

"The Canary Code is a game-changing look at organizational leadership and diversity. This work is a paradigm shift in moving away from outdated practices and developing inclusive talent systems where everyone can thrive."
--Dorie Clark, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty, Duke University Fuqua School of Business

"The Canary Code is a timely, wise, and life-giving book--a must-read for those seeking to grow as leaders, especially those in marginalized populations who identify as neurodivergent, highly sensitive, or introverted, and for everyone aiming to make a positive difference in their organizations."
--Karen An-hwei Lee, Provost and Professor of English, Wheaton College

"An enlightening guide for holistic neuroinclusion at work."
--Deepa Purushothaman, author of The First, the Few, the Only

"Where has this book been my whole life? As a family member of and friend to many neurodivergent people and as a coach to neurodivergent leaders, I wished this thoughtful, helpful book had been written decades ago. But it's here now, and nobody should wait another minute to dig into the rich insights and practical approaches that Dr. Praslova offers."
--Deborah Riegel, coauthor of Go to Help

"Give everyone in your organization a copy of this, read it together, and then open your eyes to the magic of the multiple layers of diverse people with whom you've been gifted. Embrace them, welcome them, and ultimately, learn to include them. None of us are included until we're all included."
--Ron Carucci, Managing Partner, Navalent, and bestselling author of Rising to Power and To Be Honest

"The Canary Code is a road map to creating more compassionate workplaces that bring out the best in everyone. This is a must-read for all who want to be effective allies."
--Lan Nguyen Chaplin, Professor of Integrated Marketing Communications, Northwestern University

"As the head of people operations at a financial services company, I find The Canary Code both informative and practical. This hands-on information can assist companies in cultivating cultures of belonging, attracting top talent, and retaining diverse employees, providing an edge in today's competitive business world. The Canary Code delivers on arming companies with the facts about neurodiversity and offers salient executable ideas."
--Ashly Williams, Senior Director of People Operations, Veri-Tax